SwimMAC backstroker Nathan Murray set big goals for the rest of his senior year and the summer season with Olympic Trials in Omaha, and now that he has announced his verbal commitment to swim for Tennessee, he can stay focused on chasing those goals.
“I picked Tennessee because the coaching staff absolutely has what it takes to take both me and the program to the next level. I also felt very at home with the team.”
It makes sense that he feels at home in Knoxville. He will be joining a handful of SwimMAC Alumni when he arrives on campus next fall. Current Volunteers Meg Wiggins and Ty Powers both swam with SwimMAC in the past, and Murray’s current MAC teammate, Erika Brown, also committed to swim for Tennessee next year.
Murray is a strong distance backstroker with a best time of 1:45.13 in the 200 yard backstroke. He compliments his 200 with a 49.37 100 backstroke and 3:55.78 400 IM. He also dabbles in the mid-distance freestyles with best times of 1:40.67 in the 200 and 4:29.74 in the 500 freestyle.
His 200 backstroke is already fast enough to earn a second swim at the SEC Championships, and with a year to go before he arrives on campus, he has a ton of potential. This summer he posted best times in the long course backstroke events at summer nationals, posting a 57.78 in the 100m backstroke and a 2:02.34 in the 200m backstroke.
Outside of the pool, he is very involved in extracurricular activities and community service projects. He is a member of his high school’s orchestra and is also an Eagle Scout. He is expected to graduate from South Mecklenburg High School this year.